Actress Kathy Bates has undergone a double mastectomy after she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Doctors discovered a lump in the Misery and Titanic star's breast several weeks ago and "after much consideration", the ovarian cancer survivor decided to have the operation.

Opening up about her most recent health scare to People magazine, she says, "Luckily, I don't have to undergo radiation or chemo. My family calls me Kat because I always land on my feet, and thankfully this is no exception."

The 64 year old is now on the road to recovery, and Bates insists she still plans on attending the Emmy Awards on 23 September.

The double nominee adds, "My doctors have assured me I'm going to be around for a long time. I'm looking forward to getting back to work and doing what I love to do."